Page 52 - the SyI Quarterly 10

Chartered Security Professionals

The element of integrity and having to demonstrate an interest in moving the
Changing Security for the Security Industry forward, I also believe is an important element of the CSyP:
Chartered Security Professionals are not just bystanders, but continuously
strive to improve themselves, the Professional and its perception.
Especially important as the Security Profession is starting to look at recruiting
the talent of the future. To have CSyPs who are willing to drive the industry
forward: to challenge the way we recruit, to look at career pathways and; to
better as a CSyP understand the need to change existing perceptions to attract the talent
of tomorrow is vital. To have a forward-thinking accreditation, appreciation
of these skills and dedication, shows that the CSyP isn’t just a box ticking
exercise.

By Dawn Holmes CSyP I believe that there is a need to look at the diversity of the Chartered Security
Professionals, representation is so important. If the CSyP is the “gold standard”
for practitioners, we need a more diverse group, to show that the Security
Profession embraces talent, whether they fit the traditional mould/ image or
It can be challenging in the Security Profession to not.
understand how competent and experienced an
individual is: numerous routes into the industry, Whilst the CSyP is for established professionals, younger leaders should
the diversity of roles under the umbrella of security not feel they cannot apply, it’s not about age but being able to demonstrate
means there is not a “one size fits all” set of job titles, the competencies effectively. I feel that creating a “path to CSyP” could get
qualifications/ career roadmaps, as in other professions newer talent engaged earlier: to establish the correct skills and behaviours,
(i.e., law, medicine, engineering). additionally, preparation for the CSyP status when the necessary experience
has been attained.
I’ve experienced people with grand titles, good
reputations who turned out to be inept and conversely, I also think general education is required to “sell” the CSyP benefits to
people with no formal qualifications, but incredible employers and recruiters, to ensure a true understanding of what the CSyP
experience and knowledge with the ability to translate is and stands for. Improved education would allow employers to understand
these within their organisations. I feel this current state that they are recruiting professionals, peer reviewed with the specialist
of play weakens the profession: it is not always the best knowledge, which they are able to apply. Possession of communication and
people who get the roles and, the default/ safe position of leadership skills to allow them to influence at all levels of an organisation
recruiting within a small/ known circle, creates a struggle and that they posses the commitment to drive change within the industry
for genuine talent: which is detrimental to the profession and strive to increase their knowledge. I saw the potential of the CSyP: how
and individuals. I feel is vital to acknowledge and highlight it can strengthen the Industry, but additionally how CSyPs benefit from the
true skills and competencies, this is what I saw in the formalising and verification of their skills and achievements, but also being
Chartered Security Professional accreditation. part of a group who are committed to make improvements to the Security
Profession.
Lots of accreditations involve study, grueling multiple-
choice exams, but do these really demonstrate
competency and the ability not to just do the job, but
to excel and be an industry ambassador, or do they
highlight an ability to retain and regurgitate information?
The CSyP application provides the opportunity to explain
“what you did” not what the book says you should do.
Not to downplay these qualifications, but I feel the CSyP
emphasises how learning and experience is applied.
Despite having always worked within the Security
Profession, my lack of police/ military background, my
exclusion from the “boys club” is something that I have
been aware of: there have been instances where my not
being the “cookie-cutter” security professional has held
me back. To combat this, I’ve looked to education and
qualification-hunting, to compensate for this perceived
deficiency. However, I feel the CSyP process is able to
see through outdated industry expectations, looking at
achievements and ability, the accreditation showing a
truer representation of competence than we’ve been able
to measure previously.

52 53